Pediatric Brain Center

Neuromuscular Program

(855) 722-8273

At the Pediatric Neuromuscular Program, our team specializes in diagnosis and treatment of disorders affecting the peripheral nerves and muscles, as well as research to improve care and seek cures. These conditions include the muscular dystrophies, a group of about 40 inherited disorders that cause the muscles to weaken and degenerate over time, and genetic disorders of the peripheral nerves, known collectively as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy has named our clinic a certified Duchenne care center, a designation recognizing comprehensive high-quality care for Duchenne, the most common type of muscular dystrophy.

UCSF's program, sponsored by the Muscular Dystrophy Association, offers pediatric patients and their families access to doctors, nurses and therapists who specialize in treating children. Our team includes specialists in pediatric neuromuscular care, orthopedic surgery, pulmonology, cardiology, orthotics, respiratory medicine, and physical and occupational therapy. Together, we address all aspects of your child's care in one place.

Although there is no cure for these neuromuscular diseases, new therapies are available to better manage the conditions and their complications. We work to develop an individualized treatment plan for each child that will maximize mobility, comfort and quality of life. Treatments may include physical therapy, orthopedic surgery and medications, as well as orthotics or other devices to support movement and stability.

In addition, we offer the most advanced diagnostic tests, such electromyography and nerve conduction velocity tests, which help us assess muscle and nerve health. Our patients and their families also benefit from genetic testing and counseling, which can help diagnose neuromuscular conditions and indicate whether someone carries a gene that causes a particular disorder.

A muscular dystrophy fund is available for some families with limited means and for those who don’t have insurance that covers their children's health care. For more information, please speak with someone at the clinic.

Our locations (2)

    Our team

    Awards & recognition

    • Ranked among the nation's best in 11 specialties

    • One of the nation's best for neurology & neurosurgery

    • in NIH funding among U.S. neurology programs

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    What to Bring

    • Photo I.D.
    • Health insurance card
    • Insurance authorization, if required
    • Doctor's referral, if required
    • Recent test results related to your child's condition
    • List of medications, including dosages, plus any your child is allergic to
    • List of questions you may have
    • Device or paper for taking notes

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    Your Stay

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    Your Child's Care Team

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    Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance

    Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.

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    Child Life Services

    Activity rooms, pet therapy and more to help kids feel at home.

    Child Life

    Certified child life specialists ease the stress and anxiety of childhood illness through therapeutic play, schooling and family-focused support.

    Family Amenities

    Family-friendly amenities help you relax and take care of yourself while staying close to your child. We offer lounges, kitchens, showers, breastfeeding rooms and more.

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    Social Services

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    Activity Rooms

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    Art Therapy

    Art therapy helps kids and families express themselves, making it easier to cope with pediatric health issues. Group and bedside services are available.

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    Music Therapy Program

    Board-certified music therapists help kids cope with illness and the feelings that come with it. Find out about group activities and bedside therapy.

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    School Program

    Our schoolroom services and individual learning programs help children hospitalized at UCSF continue their education and get ready to return to school.

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    School Re-Entry Program

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    Individual Playtime & Instruction

    If your child can't be around other kids for medical reasons, you can sign up for private sessions in our activity and school rooms. Find out how.

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    Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance

    Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.

    Family Resource Center

    We help families cope with the challenges of childhood illness and hospitalization in a relaxing environment where parents can get a much-needed break.

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    Parent Support Program

    Weekly activities, including knitting, scrapbooking, chair massage and more, help family caregivers get a much-needed break. Find out more.

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    Patient Relations

    Patient relations reps and nursing supervisors are here to answer questions and address concerns. Learn about your rights, how to reach us and more.

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    Spiritual Care

    Chaplains help UCSF patients, families and staff cope with the spiritual and emotional challenges of childhood illness. Learn more.

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    International Services

    If you're coming to UCSF from outside the U.S., we coordinate your child's appointments and provide other helpful services. Here's how to get started.

    Learning never stops

    Our classroom and bedside classes help kids get credit and keep learning during treatment.

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